Ruled by Rivalry, Selina Mae (Review by Kristie Reyes)

This was such a fun read! It felt like the perfect cozy early 2000s rom-com with a fashion world setting, workplace rivalry, forced proximity, and so much banter. It was one of those books that was just genuinely fun to read, and I found myself smiling so many times while reading. The fashion aspect was such a fun addition and made this feel different from your typical workplace romance. I loved that Maeve’s (FMC) career and her dreams were just as important to the story as her relationship with Elliot (MMC)!
Maeve’s independent, ambitious, stubborn, and incredibly determined to make her dreams of becoming a fashion designer a reality. Her connection to her late mother and the dream they shared gave her so much more depth, and I really loved seeing how hard she fought for herself and her future. She definitely has a competitive side and isn’t afraid to play a little dirty when she thinks she needs to, which made her feel realistic and relatable. I also loved that she didn’t suddenly lose her personality or goals just because she fell for someone. She was still very much her own person throughout the story!
And then there’s Elliot… I was obsessed with him. At first, he comes across as the typical rich, mysterious heir with a questionable reputation, but there is so much more to him than what the media portrays. He was honestly such a sweetheart! He’s thoughtful, caring, funny, and completely gone for Maeve. Watching him slowly fall for her while pretending he wasn’t was one of my favorite parts. The way he looked out for her, supported her dreams, hyped up her designs, and always seemed to know exactly what she needed was everything!! I also really enjoyed the way their relationship developed. The banter and tension felt natural! Overall, this was such a cute, feel-good romance that gave me all the rom-com vibes I was hoping for! If you love workplace rivals to lovers, forced proximity, fashion, a strong FMC, and a MMC who falls first and falls hard, definitely add this one to your TBR!